The Adult Literacy Research Working Group (ALRWG), a panel of experts on adult reading research and practice, was established by the National Institute for Literacy (NIFL) in collaboration with the National Center for the Study of Adult Learning and Literacy (NCSALL). It was part of the Institute's efforts to provide educators, parents and others…

Adult learners require teaching strategies that reflect their sociological and psychological characteristics. Adults can be defined, according to Babcock, as either traditional or nontraditional learners, with nontraditional students being those attending college after age 22. The needs of these learners vary depending upon their age, with older…

Drawing from a literature review of books, periodicals, and documents published since 1971, this paper provides the necessary background for a business/industrial trainer to reach trainees more effectively by identifying students' learning styles and matching styles with appropriate strategies for teaching/learning. Part A provides a summary of…

Major theories of adult development and learning environment are presented, with criteria for assessing institutional response to adult learners. Two major needs are discussed: an approach to adult learning that is integrated within programs or throughout institutions, and going beyond providing a proper environment to providing skills and…

Globalization continues to interest researchers and practitioners as it unfolds around us. This article contributes to the analysis of globalization's discourse, objectives and outcomes, by exploring the impact of globalization on community and its implications for adult learning. Using selected themes from a work of fiction to frame this…

The adult learner can profit from instruction and novel experience. A number of educational delivery models were discussed. Aids in learning coupled with teaching strategies were suggested for inclusion in the design of learning environments. The emphasis is on maximization of capacity through recognition of individual differences. (Author/RD)

Research on adult learning suggests that direct and concrete experiences where the learner applies what is being learned are an essential ingredient for in-service education. Abstract, word-oriented talk sessions are not adequate to change behaviors. (Author/MLF)

Conclusions drawn from learning and memory retention research which are applicable to adult learning are provided in this brief review. Findings indicate that: (1) teaching methods which stimulate the widest variety of senses will generally be the most effective; (2) the greater the degree to which a student participates orally, the greater the…

Successful adult students employ strategies to learn, and effective adult education programs attend to the development of learning by enabling students to study learning processes in addition to content. Good learners have the ability to identify goals and the steps required to achieve them, identify the strengths of their own learning, actively…

Research on factors affecting the aging learner, including intelligence, memory, motivation, loss of speed, and physical health is reviewed, refuting the belief that learning ability declines with age. Strategies and techniques for the education of older adults are recommended. (SK)

Maintains that education should be democratic and develop people's ability to manage their lives. Looks at examples of democratic education in Western European countries. Concentrating on adult education, critiques current educational practices and discusses the relationship between education, cultural democracy, democratization of the work place,…

This paper attempts to identify critical variables for designing training programs in early childhood special education. A literature review is presented on training and the adult learner. Important characteristics of training are identified, such as the course design, sequence, content, and adult learning strategies used. Other significant…

Reviews second-language learning literature concerning factors which may affect adult students. Focuses on cognitive mechanisms, cerebral dominance theories, formal operations, motivation, and second-language teaching and learning. Offers suggestions for community college teaching and programs. (DMM)

The psychological and educational needs of the growing population of adult students are considered, as well as the availability of necessary library services and materials for this group. The concept of andragogy (i.e., the teaching of adults), is discussed, the literature is reviewed, and a philosophical base is established. (Author/EM)

Many educational researchers have harnessed various technologies of instruction to improve the reliability of their egalitarian and utilitarian interventions. Their experiments with adolescents and adults yield important post-course effects, yet, little is known about the effects of instructional media with adolescent or adult multicultural…